The Lao People’s Army started in year 1949 from the different ethnic groups of the country. The army headed an opposing war against the invasion of the French from 1945 until 1954. They then carried on by facing the American Imperialists from 1954 to 1975. To commemorate the army, the Lao People’s Army History Museum was established in 1976 and is located near the Ministry of Defense compound in Ban Nonesangthor.
For a period of over six decades and with the support of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the Lao People’s Army led the country as they defeated many enemies of the nation, liberated people from slavery, helped regain power and independence for the Laotian people, established a new regime and officially proclaimed the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975.
Today, the Lao People’s Army continues to contribute to the implementation of the Party’s policy and guidelines with two main tasks. One is to provide National Defense and the other is National Construction. Together, these tasks aim for the development of the society as well as the economy and the gradual establishment and strengthening of the strong armed forces. It also continues to implement foreign policies by maintaining peace, friendship and cooperation with other nations and armies.
To honor the great patriotism and works of the Lao People’s Army, the Lao People’s Army Museum represents two main aspects of the country. The first is how the museum glorifies the liberation struggle of the people under the leadership of the Revolutionary party. This period in Laos’s history represents important ideological tools that helped shape the present regime’s ideals. The other aspect revolves around the many displays of historical and cultural heritage of the Lao nation. The army museum then provides a narrative of the historical continuity and civilization that is the source of the dominant ethnic culture of Laos.
The entrance of the museum can easily be seen with its imposing armored personnel carrier and a tank that makes the museum stand out from the rest of the buildings on the block. Sculptures that depict the revolutionary struggle of the workers can also be seen upfront. Its newest building was opened in late 2005 and can found behind the main building.
The museum contains a wide range of artifacts and photographs that relate to the roles the Lao People’s Army played during the revolutionary struggle. From its inception during the 1950s up until the establishment of the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos in 1976, the museum has featured all the achievements of the army through the years.
The museum is open from 8 to 11 in the morning and from 2 to 4 in the afternoon. It strictly recognizes the mid-day break not only for lunch break purposes but for maintenance work as well. It is open from Monday to Friday but is closed during the weekends.
The Lao People’s Army is viewed by the people as the Hero Army as it has been awarded many Golden Medals for its achievements. As the army continues to contribute to the honor of the country, the Lao People’s Army History Museum aims to give back to such patriotism by sharing with the world what the army has done to serve the country.
Snaps of the Lao National Museum
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